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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
11:23
Measuring Cell Cycle Progression Kinetics with Metabolic Labeling and Flow Cytometry
Published on: May 22, 2012
Cyclin-dependent kinases and cell-cycle transitions: does one fit all?
Helfrid Hochegger1, Shunichi Takeda, Tim Hunt
1Helfrid Hochegger is at the Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Falmer Brighton, BN1 9RQ, UK.
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|September 25, 2008
Summary
Cell-cycle control in eukaryotes involves cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins. New research with gene-targeted mice reveals overlapping functions, revising the model of cell-cycle regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cell-cycle transitions are governed by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins.
- A previous model proposed specific CDK-cyclin pairs regulate distinct cell-cycle phases.
- Dominant-negative mutations of CDK1 and CDK2 supported this model.
Approach:
- Utilized gene-targeted mice to investigate CDK and cyclin functions.
- Analyzed cell-cycle progression in genetically modified organisms.
- Examined the roles of different CDK and cyclin families in eukaryotes.
Key Points:
- Gene-targeted mouse studies challenge the strict specificity of CDK-cyclin roles.
- Overlapping and essential functions of various CDKs and cyclins are now recognized.
- The established model of cell-cycle control requires revision.
Conclusions:
- CDK and cyclin functions in cell-cycle regulation are more complex than previously thought.
- Essential roles of specific CDKs and cyclins are highlighted by recent findings.
- A revised model incorporating overlapping functions is necessary for accurate cell-cycle understanding.
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